Spaces of work, encounter, and representation of, and for, creative industries

Abstract

Previous research has focused on the relationship between creative industries and the urban areas where these industries tend to be located within the city. Less understood is the character, use, and impact of spaces intended to support creative industries. This paper questions the role these spaces have for creative industries’ development, and their socio-spatial dynamics across a city. We focus on the city of Bandung, Indonesia, and inquire (1) what types of spaces are promoted by policies to support creative industries development, and where are these spaces located; (2) how are the socio-spatial patterns of these spaces linked with the development of these industries in the city, and (3) who are the actors behind the development of these spaces. The research is informed by document analysis, interviews and informal communication with policy makers, entrepreneurs, and owners/managers of spaces occupied by local creative industries, and structured observation. Our findings characterize three types of roles (spaces of work, encounter, and representation) and their socio-physical characteristics (actors behind these spaces, and how they occupy the city). Understanding the roles and spatial dynamics of these spaces can inform policies that aim to influence creative industries development through the provision of spaces that these industries can occupy.